Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Omega-3 and L-Carnitine on Semen Quality, Oxidative Stress and Hormonal Profile of Arabian Stallions

In the equestrian business, nutritional supplements are frequently utilized to enhance a horse's reproductive performance. This study evaluated the effects of omega-3, either alone or combined with L-carnitine on semen quality, oxidative stress and the hormonal profile of the Arabian stallions. Twenty apparently normal Straight Egyptian Arabian stallions were enrolled in this study. These animals were divided randomly into four groups (five stallions each) and were fed diets that differed only in their additives. Group 1 served as a control group and was given a basal diet; group 2 (L-carnitine group) was given the control diet supplemented with 0.1% of L-carnitine HCl; group 3 (omega-3 fortified group) was given the control diet reformulated with linseed meal and linseed oil as the main source of omega-3 fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)); and group 4 (omega-3 and L-carnitine HCl group) was given the reformulated diet with 0.1% of L-carnitine HCl and linseed cake meal and linseed oil. Evaluation of semen quality and assessment of antioxidant as well as hormonal status were conducted at days 0, 35 and 70 after dietary supplementation. The indices related to semen quality included sperm abnormalities, motility, and concentration. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GSH) levels were also measured. The measured hormones included triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (FT4), testosterone, and cortisol. All data were statistically analyzed. The results showed statistically significant differences between the studied groups regarding sperm motility and concentration, with the highest values in group 4 (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding sperm abnormalities, antioxidant status and hormonal profiles. (P>0.05). In conclusion, omega-3 combined with L-carnitine enhanced sperm motility and concentration in the Arabian stallions. However, this combination had no effects on the oxidative stress biomarkers and hormonal profile.